Management visionary - Professor Witkowski and his contributions to organisational psychology.
We are pleased to announce the publication of the monograph "Wrocław Psychology. People and Ideas"published in 2024 by Rys Publishing House. The scientific edition of the study was prepared by Dr Jolanta Kowal, Prof. UWr and Kiriakos Chatzipentidis, paying tribute to prominent figures and currents of psychological thought in Wrocław.
One of the protagonists of the publication is Professor Stanisław A. Witkowskiwhose profile in chapter "Stanisław A. Witkowski - representative of management psychology in Poland". presented Dorota Kanafa-Chmielewska. The text presents the Professor as one of the most important scientists in the field of work and organisational psychology - co-founder of the Wrocław centre for management psychology and promoter of the combination of scientific research and practice.
Achievements and activities of Professor Witkowski
Professor Witkowski From 1970, he was affiliated with the University of Wrocław. Together with Professor Jerzy Mączyński, he initiated the establishment of the Department of Management Psychology and headed it until 2012. He played an important role in the structures of the Institute of Psychology, holding numerous positions there. His achievements are not only academic workbut also pioneering efforts to disseminate psychological knowledge in management.
Among the professor's key achievements were:
- Establishing cooperation with industryincluding with Kombinat Górniczo-Hutniczy Miedzi (KGHM). He became personally involved by visiting mines to learn about the realities of miners' work and develop practical recommendations to improve working conditions. This experience cemented his commitment to field research and the application of psychological knowledge in real organisational environments.
- Development of international cooperation - The professor's research has contributed to our understanding of the impact of cultural differences on management styles and the process of adaptation and coping with culture shock.
- Establishment of the first postgraduate programme in management psychology in Poland - The programme attracted great interest and played an important role in professionalising Polish leaders.
- Teaching and development of young staff - Professor supported doctoral students, promoted the transfer of practical knowledge and emphasised the role of the academic teacher in shaping future experts.
- Founding of the Polish Association of Organisational Psychology (PSPO) in 2011, together with Professor Barbara Kozusznik. The organisation brings together the organisation's psychologists and promotes the exchange of knowledge and the transfer of scientific achievements into practice. The professor managed the PSPO for 15 years, being actively involved in its development. To this day, the association still organises key professional events, including the 2023 national congress, which is an important forum for the exchange of experience between science and practice.
- Development of diagnostic tools in management - Professor Witkowski developed and implemented methods for diagnosing competences, forecasting managerial effectiveness, and adapted and validated foreign psychometric tools, such as the Belbin test or the Organisational Climate Questionnaire. He was the forerunner of the implementation of Assessment/Development Centre procedures in Poland (the so-called managerial competitions), emphasising the necessity of a reliable selection of leaders.
Scientific knowledge that serves practice
Throughout his career, Professor Witkowski has consistently integrated psychological theory with management practice. He believed that the real power of psychology lay in its application - in organisational diagnosis, staff development and supporting team effectiveness. His contribution to the development of organisational psychology in Poland remains invaluable - we encourage you to read chapter to learn more about the scientist who set new standards in linking science and business.